Layers is built on a hierarchical architecture where each layer builds upon the previous ones, creating a powerful and flexible e-commerce search and merchandising platform. Understanding this hierarchy is crucial for effectively configuring and optimizing your store’s search experience.
Layer Details
1. Foundation Layer: Attributes
Product attributes form the base of the entire system. These include properties that determine how products can be manipulated in higher layers:
is_filterable
: Enables faceted search and filtering
is_sortable
: Allows use in sort orders and ranking
is_searchable
: Makes attributes queryable in search
2. Sorting Layer: Sort Orders & Sequences
Built on top of attributes, this layer handles product ordering:
- Global Sequences: Product groupings that apply across all collections
- Collection-Specific Sequences: Targeted groupings for specific collections
- Sort Orders: Configurable ranking using conditions, attributes, and weighted groups
3. Collection Layer: Product Groupings
Collections organize products into logical groups:
- Shopify Collections: Native collection support
- Structured Navigation: Hierarchical product organization
- Sequence Integration: Works with the sequence system for consistent ordering
4. Merchandising Layer: Rules & Overrides
The highest priority layer that can override all lower layers:
- Manual Pinning: Precise control over product positioning
- Auto-Pin Expressions: Automated rules based on product attributes
- Rule Priority: Merchandising rules take precedence over sort orders and sequences
5. Search & Browse Experience
The final layer that delivers unified experiences to customers:
- Text Search: Semantic search with typo tolerance
- Image Search: Visual product discovery
- Browse Collections: Merchandised collection pages
- Similar Products: AI-powered recommendations
Data Flow and Priority
Sequence Architecture
Key Principles
- Hierarchical Override: Higher layers can override lower layer configurations
- Flexible Scoping: Sequences operate at both global and collection levels
- Unified Experience: All search types benefit from the same underlying architecture
- Attribute Foundation: Everything builds upon properly configured attributes
This architecture ensures that your search and merchandising configurations work together harmoniously while providing the flexibility to customize experiences at multiple levels.
Responses are generated using AI and may contain mistakes.